Tamworth MP’s Dog Crowned Winner at Westminster Dog of the Year
By Jill Dando News
There were celebrations in Westminster today (11 September) as Poykee, a 13-year-old Keeshond, owned by Sarah Edwards, Labour MP for Tamworth, emerged victorious after being crowned the winner at the Westminster Dog of the Year competition.
The annual competition, organised by The Kennel Club and Dogs Trust, took place today in Victoria Tower Gardens, in the shadow of the Houses of Parliament, and provided an opportunity for MPs to engage with experts to discuss all aspects of dog welfare.
This year, the event highlighted the vital role that dogs play in any household, the importance of the human-animal bond and the joys that dog ownership brings.
Topics raised include pet-friendly housing, responsible dog ownership, breeding, training and socialisation, all of which can ensure that dogs live happy and healthy lives.
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Winning MP, Sarah Edwards, said of the pair’s success:
“It’s really amazing. I was hoping that we had a chance – certainly I’ve been gearing Poykee up and making sure that he dazzled the judges and his personality shines through.
“We’ve been doing prep work ahead of the day, making sure that he really promotes what it is to be a fabulous pet but also a creature with a really individual personality as well. We’ve been out and about in Tamworth talking to people and thinking about how we can promote the fabulousness of dogs, but also how important they are as our family pets.”
Jannine Edgar, Chief Executive of The Kennel Club, said:
“Well done to Poykee, alongside Sarah Edwards MP, on being crowned Westminster Dog of the Year 2025. There was strong competition this year, with some truly heartwarming relationships between dogs and their owners, so they should be very proud of their achievement.
“It has been a pleasure to judge this year’s competition. Westminster Dog of the Year celebrates our four-legged friends and provides a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of issues affecting dog welfare, and so I’d like to thank all the MPs and their canine companions for taking part today.”
Claire Calder, Head of Public Affairs at Dogs Trust added:
“Congratulations to Poykee and Sarah Edwards MP on their well-deserved win at Westminster Dog of the Year 2025. It’s been a joy to see such a wide variety of dogs take centre stage, each one clearly loved by their MP and demonstrating the important role dogs play as members of the family.
“Events like this are more than just fun – they’re a chance to highlight the connection between people and their dogs, and to promote key messages around animal welfare and responsible dog ownership. Thank you to all the MPs who took the time to celebrate their canine companions today.”
Runners-up in this year’s Westminster Dog of the Year were rescue dog Mabel and Becky Gittins, Labour MP for Clwyd East, who won second place, and office dog Lucy, a Labrador, with Andrew Snowden, Conservative MP for Fylde, who won third place.
The pair were chosen by the judging panel, comprised of Jannine Edgar, Chief Executive of The Kennel Club, Jayne Whitton, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Dogs Trust, and 2023 Westminster Dog of the Year winner, Mims Davies MP.
In addition to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards, the competition also had a winner decided solely from the public – via the Sir David Amess Public Vote – which was 6-year-old Guide Dog, Jennie, owned by Steve Darling, Lib Dem MP for Torbay.
For more information about Westminster Dog of the Year visit thekennelclub.org.uk/wdoty
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